Online Public Relations Thoughts

Daily entries on Public Relations and communications ideas and trends

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Media Scams

One way editors use to sell magazines is to create lists --the Top 50 this, the Top 100 that, the 25 standouts of the year, etc. But, as this commentator points out, it's a scam, especially when rankings are opinions. Unless one is using verified data like the Fortune 500 list with clear delineations for rankings, there isn't a way to rank well. Yet, as PR practitioners we play into these editorial scams constantly. I suppose we accept that if we help editors sell magazines, editors will help our clients in return. That's OK to a point but there are times, as in choosing a doctor, when it's risky.

Lists are overdone, but don't expect to see them disappear anytime soon.